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  Riya Navani is a young model of elegance, athletic prowess, and inspiration. At only seventeen years old, Navani has been ranked #1 in the girls under 11, girls under 13, and girls under 17 divisions; #3 in the girls under 15 division; and currently holds the #2 spot for girls under 19. In addition, Navani was named a 2022-2023 High School All-American and has represented the US on multiple occasions, including in the esteemed British Junior Open and World Junior Championships tournaments.  Navani recently added another accomplishment to her list of successes, specifying this particular one as one of her most cherished squash memories and experiences. At the end of September in the first round of the Southwestern Open in Houston, Texas, Navani, playing as a wildcard in her second PSA Gold event, beat world number 45 Nour Aboulmakarim in a roller-coaster five game battle. Navani won the first two games, at the verge of a clean defeat, before Aboulmakarim came back to take t...

“Match.”  This single, defining word spits from the referee’s mouth, cutting through the back glass wall. The consonants, loaded with meaning and despair, push their way into my ears. They immerse and embed themselves into my eardrums before registering in my brain.   My chance of success is gone.   My movements run with autopilot. Having done the same routine countless times, I barely think as I go through the customary motions that are expected of a good sportswoman after a match: A handshake and smile. Quick strides to the door before participating in a lighthearted conflict with my adversary about who leaves the court first, including a flurry of “Go ahead,” “You first,” “I insist,” “No, please.” Eventually, one of us surrenders with a laugh and exits the battlefield.    The friendly gestures and expressions feel sharp and bitter as they leave my body. It feels like an act, tasks on a checklist.   After crossing the glass door, I res...